Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 2.4× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
499Complaints
8Recalls
24Crashes
6Fires
17Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (26.5% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Electrical System complaints here are 2.4× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Electrical System
132 · 26.5%
Recalled
Recall 19V615000
Engine
84 · 16.8%
Recalled
Recall 14E007000 · Recall 11E036000
Fuel/propulsion System
47 · 9.4%
Recalled
Recall 11V490000
Power Train
46 · 9.2%
not available
—
Steering
41 · 8.2%
not available
—
Service Brakes
34 · 6.8%
Recalled
Recall 20E064000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 499 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
The reduced durability of the trailing arm may result in its sudden fracture, possibly causing loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“KEY WILL NOT TURN TO SHUT ENGINE OFF , TURN KEY FORWARD LIKE STARTING CAR , THEN RELEASE KEY SO IT SPRINGS BACK AND REMOVE…”NHTSA complaint 10618253 — filed 08/01/2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“APPROACHED A RED LIGHT - WAS 2ND CAR FROM LIGHT. JUST AS I STOPPED THE LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE…”NHTSA complaint 10592177 — filed 05/17/2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“I HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO A NEW VW IN EL CAJON, WHERE I HAD A NEW ISSUES POP UP WITH MY A/C. MY A/C…”NHTSA complaint 10586349 — filed 05/03/2014 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 132 of 499 NHTSA complaints (26.5%), followed by unspecified/other issues (107), engine (84), fuel/propulsion system (47). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have?
499 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 24 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 17 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes — 8 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V679000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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